Recap of February 5, 2019 Macon-Bibb County Commission Meeting

At the Macon-Bibb County Commission meeting in February 5, 2019, Reverend Joey Ellis with Stone Edge Church led the invocation.

Two SMART (South Macon Arts Revitalization Technology) students delivered the Pledge of Allegiance. Below is information in each of these talented students! Thank you Xavier Jackson and Serena Wimberly.

Xavier Jackson is the son of Rachel Haslem. He is a 5th grader at Charles H. Bruce Elementary School where he is an AB student. He is a very serious person and always does his best at whatever he sets his mind to achieve. He is a member of the Youth Choir at his church Victory Deliverance where Elder Bell is Pastor. Master Jackson is a member of the SMART Chess Club where he is one of the top players on the team. In addition to chess he enjoys playing basketball and LaCrosse. His aspiration for the future is to become a Video Game Designer.

Serena Wimberley, is the daughter of Tina Wimberly a young lady with a great personality, is a third grader at Veterans Elementary School where she is an AB student. She is a very cooperative person and always wants things just right. She is an active member of the Old Marion Baptist Church Youth Choir, Dry Branch, GA. Further, she enjoys membership in the Young Ladies and Young Gentlemen of SMART. She also has a speaking role in the upcoming stage play, Shee…Don’t Tell, based on the book, Abused, but Not Broken which depicts the life of Prophetess Queen Hayes. Local Author. Miss Wimberly’s hobbies are singing and riding her bike. Her future aspiration is to become a physician where her compassion for other will shine as bright as her smile.

Several county employees were honored and recognized at this meeting for their achievements. Commissioners recognized Public Works Director Marvin Land, Public Works employees April Rogers and Sandra Yates, Director Sam Kitchens and Kelly Bowden from the Parks & Beautification Department for their election to regional and state positions. You can read more details about those positions here.

The Commission celebrated Parks & Beautification Director Sam Kitchens on being named Solar Advocate of the Year by Georgia Solar. Click to watch a video Georgia Solar produced about Sam. You can read more about this award and why we’re so proud of Mr. Kitchens by clicking here.

Four Macon-Bibb Fire Department Firefighters were recently awarded the Navicent Health Medical Save Award. Commissioners thanked the men for their service to our community, their exemplary life-saving actions. We have an award-winning Class 1 Fire Department in Macon-Bibb. Click here for MaconBibbTV videos spotlighting some of their achievements and hard work.

February is Black History Month and commissioners read and approved a resolution declaring it officially in our community. Many community leaders, residents, elected officials and others stood up front at the meeting to recognize the declaration. To celebrate Black History all year, we support the Martin Luther King Commission, which aims to educate and celebrate the legacy of Dr. King. You can see their calendar of events and learn to plan your own by visiting the MLK Commission’s website here.

Mayor Reichert stepped to the podium to recognize the winners of this year’s MLK Oratorical Contest. The first and second place winners read portions of their award-winning speeches, and the Mayor presented each one with a check. You can watch their speeches here or by clicking the video above.

Agenda Items

The board approved the formation of a Friends of Rosa Parks Square group.

Commissioners voted to approve adding several people to the Keep Macon-Bibb County Beautiful Commission. Read their names and additional details here in this Commission Resolution.

The board approved a Resolution for the Tax Commissioner to utilize new sale process when dealing with property that fails to sell.

Commissioners approved a resolution asking our Local Legislative Delegation to amend the SPLOST law allowing for blight remediation funds to be used to tear down structures.

The board approved a request of General Assembly to adopt local legislation to increase the Hotel/Motel tax and to allow for review of receiving agencies.

Commissioners approved an ordinance amending the code to change the date for receiving an application for exemption regarding Solid Waste fees.

The Emergency Management Agency will receive a $50,000 performance grant from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. You can read details on that grant here.

The board approved acceptance of a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia and The Knight Foundation to develop an Opportunity Zone prospectus to encourage private investment in economic development projects. You can see outlines of the zone in the photos above. Click here to read more about it.

Commissioners approved an amendment to the Code of Ordinances requiring new subdivisions with lots sized one acre or less have sidewalks installed.

The board approved selling the Breezy Hill Fire Station on Forsyth Road to the Macon Water Authority for $336,000.

Commissioners confirmed appointments and reappointments to the Fire Civil Service Board. You can read about the people on the board by clicking here.

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Vision

Macon-Bibb will be the center of development, culture, and opportunity, remembering our past while inspiring hope and pride for our future.

Mission

Macon-Bibb County provides the essential infrastructure, services, and programs, creating a vibrant economic and cultural climate, enabling individuals, families, and businesses to prosper.